WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) today applauded U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritkzer's announcement of "Look South," an effort launched by the Commerce Department that will help more American companies do business in foreign markets including Mexico and ten other free trade agreement partners in Central and South America. In addition to corporations and organizations like UPS, FedEx, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the USHCC will join "Look South" as a private-sector stakeholder to reach America's Hispanic business community and entrepreneurs across the country.

"The launch of Look South is a tremendous step forward in ensuring more American businesses have access to foreign markets and are improving their bottom lines through increased sales and trade," stated USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "The USHCC is thrilled to support this initiative and we look forward to working closely with Secretary Pritzker and other partners as Hispanic business owners translate their historically strong entrepreneurial skills to success in the global marketplace."

In her speech today at the World Affairs Council in Los Angeles, Secretary Pritzker said, "Now is the time for a Look South Initiative to help businesses across the country explore Latin America's expanding markets, learn about emerging opportunities in the region, and tap into federal programs that can help companies sell more products into the region, expanding their bottom line."

"Hispanic entrepreneurs, the fastest growing segment of American enterprise, will greatly benefit from this new initiative as they enter new markets in Central and South America," said USHCC Chairman of the Board Marc Rodriguez. "The increased business interactions that will result from Look South will not only bring new revenues to these firms, but help create American jobs that support an aggressive, pro-growth trade agenda."

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3.2 million Hispanic owned businesses nationwide that contribute in excess of $468 billion to the American economy. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.USHCC.com.

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